Cedar Shake Siding in Chicago, IL — Costs $10,998 to $48,116

What does cedar shake siding cost in Chicago? Average $24,746, ranging $10,998–$48,116. Labor runs $44.35/hr locally — 37% above the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Chicago, IL Market

+37% vs national

Labor Rate

$44.35/hr

Material Index

129

Avg Permit Cost

$1,503

Median Home Price

$238,022

As one of the largest metros in Illinois, Chicago has a competitive contractor market with hundreds of licensed professionals. This typically gives homeowners more leverage on pricing, though high demand for renovations can offset that advantage. At 37% above the national average, Chicago is one of the more expensive markets for home improvement — driven primarily by above-average labor rates in the region. At a median home price of $238,022, homeowners in Chicago should weigh the project cost (10.4% of home value) carefully against expected returns to avoid over-improving for the local market.

Low Estimate

$10,998

National: $8,000

Mid-Range

$24,746

National: $18,000

High End

$48,116

National: $35,000

Per Sq Ft

$14

National: $10

Duration: 1-3 weeks
DIY: Hard
Permits: Required
ROI: 80%

Cedar Shake Siding Cost Calculator for Chicago

Adjusted for Chicago's labor rate ($44.35/hr) and material costs (index 129).

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

Mid-grade materials, good quality fixtures, standard options.

Estimated Total in Chicago

$24,746

Based on 200 sq ft at mid quality, adjusted for Chicago market rates.

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (45%)$11,136

At Chicago's average rate of $44.35/hr (48% above national avg)

Materials (55%)$13,610

Material cost index 129 (29% above national baseline of 100)

Cedar Shake Siding vs. Home Value in Chicago

MetricChicagoNational Avg
Cedar Shake Siding (Mid-Range)$24,746$18,000
Median Home Price$238,022$350,000
Project as % of Home Value10.4%5.1%
Estimated ROI80%80%
Median Household Income$65,469$75,000

What Affects the Price in Chicago

  • 1Local labor rates ($44.35/hr in Chicago)
  • 2Material cost index (129 vs national 100)
  • 3Home size
  • 4Cedar grade
  • 5Existing siding removal
  • 6Weather exposure

Popular Upgrades

  • Pre-stained shakes
  • Half-round accents
  • Corner boards

Planning a Cedar Shake Siding in Chicago

Building permits are typically required for a cedar shake siding in Chicago. The average permit fee in this area is $1,503, though costs vary based on project scope. Permit fees in this market are above average — factor them into your total budget. Plan for 1-3 weeks from start to finish.

A cedar shake siding is a complex project best left to licensed professionals. In Chicago, skilled contractors charge an average of $44.35/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.

For the median Chicago household earning $65,469/year, this project at $24,746 represents a significant investment. Consider financing options or phasing the work to spread costs over time.

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